The best VR headsets are more than just devices that take you to virtual worlds. They provide the best mixed reality experience possible through ever-improving passthrough technology, which enables new methods of accomplishing tasks such as spatial computing, which overlays your environments with augmented reality holographs.
As this industry grows in popularity, we have handpicked a small selection that provide the best value for your money. All of them can play the majority of the best VR games, and some can even be used as home gyms, productivity tools at work, or giant immersive screens to watch the best TV shows and movies.
Best VR Headsets
- Meta Quest 3
- Apple Vision Pro
- PlayStation VR 2
- Valve Index
- Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 “is definitely the best VR headset I’ve ever tested. It outperforms the Quest 2 in almost every way, including a brand-new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and twin LCD lenses with 2K resolution in each eye for a total 4K resolution.
PROS:
- More comfortable design than Quest 2
- Vibrant LCD display
- Excellent Touch Plus controllers
- Impressive full-color passthrough
CONS:
- Mixed reality features lacking
- Short battery life
- Hand tracking isn’t quite useful yet
Nonetheless, it isn’t perfect. We were disappointed with the battery life, as we managed to completely drain it in less than two hours. While the two RGB cameras and depth projector provide impressive full-color passthrough, there isn’t much to experiment with in mixed reality for a headset billed as such.
Despite these drawbacks, the Quest 3 remains the best choice. Its improvements over the Quest 2 make the older Quest headset an inferior choice, unless you’re looking for something truly entry-level. While the PSVR 2 is more powerful and has eye-tracking capabilities, the Quest 3’s resolution upgrade significantly closes the gap. Furthermore, as with the Quest 2, the Link cable or Air Bridge (sold separately) allows you to play PC VR games, which the PSVR 2 does not support.
Apple Vision Pro
Yes, the Apple Vision Pro is more mixed reality than true VR, but that is the current trend in the category. And if you’re looking for the best implementation of VR and AR technology (with no cost constraints), Cupertino’s new headset is the way to go.
PROS:
- Amazing eye- and hand-tracking interface
- Jaw-dropping 3D movies and Apple Immersive Video
- Impressive Spatial video and photos
- Works magically with MacBooks
- Great AR apps and experiences
CONS:
- Super expensive
- Big apps missing like Netflix and YouTube
- Personas need work
- Tethered battery can be annoying
Apple has addressed many of the common challenges for headsets with truly remarkable ingenuity in both hardware and software. For example, microOLED displays with pixels smaller than red blood cells provide extremely sharp pass-through (with the industry’s lowest response time of only 12 milliseconds). Furthermore, the futuristic eye and hand tracking experience stands out from the competition.
There are some issues with it. Aside from the $3,500 asking price, the tethered battery can get in the way at times, personas during FaceTime calls are strange to look at, and it lacks some major apps like Netflix and YouTube (though the latter will be added soon).
But you’re looking at the most innovative product from Apple since the iPhone. This is a revolution in the making, and it is undoubtedly the most technically advanced VR/AR system of the bunch.
PlayStation VR2
Sony’s new PSVR 2 is undoubtedly the best wired VR headset, with a number of high-end features, including a stunning OLED display. However, it trails the Quest 3 because it requires a PS5 to function and is exclusive to the PlayStation ecosystem. Furthermore, the Quest 3 and PSVR 2 have a much smaller gap than the Quest 2 and PSVR 2 due to the Quest 3’s new processor and display.
PROS:
- Easy to set up
- Great controls with haptic feedback
- Gorgeous display
- Overall excellent VR experience
CONS:
- Costs more than a PS5
- Controller straps are awkward
PSVR 2 is excellent, particularly for gaming. The headset is comfortable, with only a slim but sturdy cable connecting it to the PS5. The screen is excellent, with impressive passthrough capabilities and 4K resolution. There is also 3D audio support and easy-to-use adjustment buttons.
The Sense controllers, however, are the true game changer. These are not only comfortable and track well, but also provide excellent haptic feedback, which other VR headsets lack.
And because you’re part of the PlayStation ecosystem, you can play exclusive games like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Gran Turismo 7 in virtual reality. Combined with the VR technology, the PSVR 2 is one of the best virtual reality systems available today.
Valve Index
The Valve Index is the pioneer of virtual reality PC gaming and remains the most immersive VR headset. It has some of the best visuals of any mainstream system, and its unparalleled comfort, audio, and controllers all work together to set the Index apart in the market.
PROS:
- Best in class hardware
- Comfortable to wear
- Virtually no SDE
CONS:
- Setup is awkward
A lot of this is due to the RGB LCD screens Valve uses. The subpixel layout produces a stunningly crisp image, and while it is gradually being pushed down the resolution ladder by newer headsets, it performs deceptively better in practice than it appears on paper. The Index’s 130° field of view is not only the best in class, but it also has virtually no screen door effect inside the headset.
These panels can run at up to 144 Hz in experimental mode, but you’ll need a seriously powerful gaming PC to use them in the most recent games. However, the standard 120 Hz will suffice for the vast majority of users.
Although the Valve Index is a little heavy, the head strap distributes the weight around your head, making it comfortable to wear. It’s made of high-quality materials and feels extremely comfortable, even during extended play sessions.
Meta Quest 2
The Meta Quest 2 is a masterclass in incremental enhancements to its predecessor, the Oculus Quest. According to reviewer Michael Andronico, “The Meta Quest 2’s price, game library, and overall ease of use make it the best entry point into virtual reality yet.”
PROS:
- Seamless all-in-one VR system
- Can connect to PCs
- Capable of room-scale VR
- Large library of apps
CONS:
- Controllers aren’t rechargeable
- Requires Facebook account
The Quest 2 has a sleeker design, higher display resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate in select games and apps, and faster overall performance than the original Oculus Quest. It also feels like a well-built headset. There is also a large market for Meta Quest 2 accessories, such as Logitech speakers that can be attached to the Quest 2’s strap to provide a premium sound experience without completely removing you from reality, as well as charging docks.
Furthermore, the Quest 2 accomplishes all of this without the use of any cables, which is one of the reasons it continues to be our top pick for best VR headset. However, you can still connect it to a PC using the Meta Quest Link cable to play the best PC VR games. Mike Prospero did exactly that with Microsoft Flight Simulator on the Quest 2.
Starting at $299, it is the most affordable headset available, making its quality and versatility even more impressive. That is why it remains our top choice for the best way to get started in the world of virtual reality if you do not want to spend the money on the Quest 3.